University to Host Gabriela DeRobles, PhD, for Insightful Discussion on Community, Identity, and Language.
In an era where digital platforms serve as powerful tools for social change, Fairfield University is set to host a compelling event titled "Podcasting With a Purpose: Amplifying Heritage Speakers' Voices" on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. The event, to be held in Canisius 209, will feature distinguished guest Gabriela DeRobles, PhD, from the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. DeRobles will share insights into a groundbreaking podcast initiative that seeks to shed light on the stories and experiences of heritage speakers from diverse backgrounds.
Sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures; The Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies Program; and the Humanities Institute, this event promises an engaging exploration of identity, language, and community-building in the digital age. Dr. DeRobles' discussion will delve into the joys and struggles experienced by heritage speakers, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of cultural identity.
Heritage by Design, the podcast at the heart of this discussion serves as a medium to amplify the voices of heritage speakers: individuals whose native language is not the dominant language in their community. By sharing their stories, the podcast aims to build a stronger, more empathetic community by fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Dr. DeRobles, an esteemed scholar and expert in heritage language education, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this event. With a focus on the experiences of heritage speakers, she will shed light on the challenges they face, the unique cultural perspectives they bring, and the importance of recognizing and preserving heritage languages.
“I saw her at the American Association for Applied Linguistics annual conference last spring and she mentioned her podcast and how she and their co-hosts were interviewing heritage language speakers to learn more about their linguistic experiences and insecurities growing up in the U.S.,” said Sergio Adrada-Rafael, PhD, associate professor of Spanish at Fairfield, who organized the event. “I thought it would be a great addition for my SPAN 4309 'Bilingualism' class. Additionally, podcasts are becoming more and more popular and students seem to like them.”
This event not only celebrates the power of podcasting as a medium for social change but also highlights the collaborative efforts of various departments within the University. By joining forces, the three sponsors of this lecture are creating a space for meaningful dialogue and exploration.
All students, faculty, and community members are invited to attend the discussion.
Listen Now - Episode 1: Who are heritage speakers?
